TSN: NBA fantasy top 100

RANKINGS: Based on a standard 12-team league with four starting forwards, four guards, two centers and two bench spots per roster. The scoring categories considered most heavily are points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

KEY: + (rising), - (falling), S (sleeper), R (rookie)

There are plenty of reasons to give fantasy basketball a try. First, you'll get to know the players' strengths and weaknesses better. Also, fantasy hoops can be the perfect hobby to brighten cold winter months. But to be a winner, you must be prepared for your draft. Ranking the players can be tricky, especially because leagues use so many different scoring systems. But don't worry; we've done some of the legwork for you with our top 100 rankings. Use them as the foundation for your draft preparation and you'll be sure to have a good season.

1-25: everyone's a winner

1. LeBron James, G/F, Cavaliers +
The way James played in his second season, they should have given him a fleet of Hummers back in high school. He's worth at least that much to fantasy owners who love that he plays hard, plays a lot (a league-leading 3,388 minutes) and fills up a stat sheet.
Bottom line: James is a can't-miss fantasy MVP with the highest possible keeper-league value.
Projected stats: 28.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 7.8 apg

2. Dirk Nowitzki, F/C, Mavericks
Unlike the Skipper on Gilligan's Island, Nowitzki didn't miss his little buddy, Steve Nash, last season -- at least not in the box score. Dirk averaged career highs in points, assists and blocks and attempted a career-high 708 free throws. The trips to the line are a testament to an increasingly productive post game.
Bottom line: He dominates in several fantasy categories and does it while qualifying at two positions.
Projected stats: 26.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.0 apg

3. Kevin Garnett, F, Timberwolves
Darn that Latrell Sprewell. After making it to the Western Conference finals two years ago, the Timberwolves suffered through a miserable 2004-05 season thanks in part to internal discord. Garnett stayed out of the fray and continued to post consistently good numbers, which is why he's a fantasy stud.
Bottom line: Amare Stoudemire is a flashier choice, but take Garnett, who has a more advanced game and gets his numbers no matter what.
Projected stats: 23.5 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 1.7 bpg

4. Tim Duncan, F/C, Spurs
Duncan is as dull as a gray sky, but whenever he puts another bank shot in the bucket, fantasy owners light up like a rainbow. Duncan has been Mr. Consistency among fantasy frontcourt players, always hovering around 21 points and 12 rebounds per game. His only problem of late: He has missed an average of 15 starts the past two seasons because of injuries.
Bottom line: He could be the MVP of your league, but the injury problems drop him to No. 4.
Projected stats: 21.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.5 bpg

5. Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers
Phil is back in town. That may be good news for the Lakers, but fantasy owners are wondering how long it will take before Jackson grumbles about Bryant's selfish play. Hey, we like the selfish play because it means Bryant is looking to score. Still, there is something to be said for discipline; Bryant took care of the ball better under Jackson.
Bottom line: Bryant has been a health risk the past two seasons, but it would be a risk to allow him to slip past you.
Projected stats: 26.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg

6. Shawn Marion, F, Suns
Marion does a bunch of things well despite having one of the most unorthodox jump shots in the game. There seems to be no end to the energy and ability of this run-and-gun Sun. Like Amare Stoudemire, Marion meshes well in an uptempo game with Steve Nash.
Bottom line: Marion is fantasy's version of a Vegas buffet -- treat yourself to a lot of everything just because you can.
Projected stats: 20.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.0 apg

7. Tracy McGrady, G, Rockets
As expected, McGrady's scoring dropped last season after he moved to a team where he wasn't the sole option. But his other numbers were better, including a career-high 1.7 steals and 78 starts. That McGrady avoided serious injury probably was the best news to fantasy owners. Back problems, among other maladies, plagued him in Orlando.
Bottom line: McGrady is an all-around stud, but he falls in line behind Bryant among guards.
Projected stats: 24.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 6.0 apg

8. Dwyane Wade, G, Heat +
Wade's numbers exploded with the addition of Shaquille O'Neal last season. Opposing defenses like to concentrate on Shaq, but the Heat's offense starts with Wade. He is relentless in his quest to get to the rim, as shown by his free throw attempts (762, fourth-best in the league). The only concern is that he might get hurt going hard to the basket.
Bottom line: He has become an elite player who is especially valuable in keeper leagues.
Projected stats: 25.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 7.0 apg

9. Jason Kidd, G, Nets
The Nets' loss of talent contributed to Kidd's lower than usual assist numbers last season, but New Jersey's roster looks better now. Expect Kidd's assists to come back, and he'll also provide excellent production in rebounds and steals.
Bottom line: Speaking of rebounds and steals, Kidd will bounce back and could be a steal if other fantasy owners suddenly are afraid to draft him.
Projected stats: 15.0 ppg, 9.0 apg, 2.0 spg

10. Steve Nash, G, Suns
The Suns' fast-break style always starts with Nash, but unlike when he was in Dallas, he now has big men who can finish on the run. Don't let the flowing hairstyle fool you; Nash is relentless.
Bottom line: The Suns have lost Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson, so Nash might have to score more, which is why he has jumped up to a first-round pick.
Projected stats: 17.0 ppg, 11.0 apg, 1.2 spg

11. Allen Iverson, G, 76ers
Iverson is coming off one of his best seasons, winning the scoring title and finishing second in steals average. He also reached a career-high average in assists, so it's not all about A.I., right? Well, not so fast. The Sixers remained Iverson's team despite a trade for Chris Webber, who took a background role while Iverson continued to hoist shots at will.
Bottom line: He's a health risk, but the reward will be high if he's on the court for 70 games.
Projected stats: 29.5 ppg, 7.0 apg, 2.0 spg

12. Shaquille O'Neal, C, Heat
O'Neal's fantasy value hinges on your league's emphasis on shooting percentages (his free throws can kill you) and centers (a scarce position, making him worthy of an early pick). Shaq is dominant when he has to be, but he probably won't average 25-plus points as he did in his glory years. Still, there is plenty to like -- O'Neal excels in points, rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage.
Bottom line: When Shaq shows up to play, he's the most dominant big man in the league.
Projected stats: 23.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 2.4 bpg

13. Jermaine O'Neal, F/C, Pacers
A shoulder injury and a suspension kept O'Neal from playing in nearly half the games last season and put a damper on a rising career. Don't worry, Jermaine, fantasy owners haven't forgotten you. With your ability to score and contribute in a variety of ways, we'd be fools to let one bad season ruin your value.
Bottom line: If his shoulder looks OK in training camp, he'll be back in our good graces by draft day.
Projected stats: 23.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.3 bpg

14. Elton Brand, F, Clippers
Brand continues to achieve quiet, consistent excellence. He never lets the Clippers' struggles bother him because he has the talent to rise above their mediocrity. He always is among the leaders in rebounds and blocks and posted double doubles in more than half his games last season.
Bottom line: Brand has established himself as a fantasy force.
Projected stats: 20.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg

15. Andrei Kirilenko, F, Jazz
A knee injury stalled the Kirilenko Express last season, but expect this defensive stopper to get back on track. He dominates in three categories -- rebounds, blocks, and steals -- and contributes enough in points and assists to be a rare fantasy find.
Bottom line: Don't let last season taint your opinion of him.
Projected stats: 17.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.0 bpg

16. Vince Carter, G, Nets
After being traded from Toronto, Carter meshed well with Jason Kidd in an open-court game. As a result, Carter's scoring took off (27.5 ppg compared with 15.9 with the Raptors). Carter hasn't played a full season since 1999-2000, but his injury problems appear to be behind him.
Bottom line: He returns to the top 20 thanks to his scoring potential alongside Kidd.
Projected stats: 25.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.4 spg

17. Ben Wallace, F/C, Pistons
In some leagues, Wallace shouldn't be ranked this high, but based on our scoring categories and need for two starting centers, he is a smart pick here. We wouldn't be penalized for his poor free throw shooting, and he'd give us a head start in rebounds and blocks.
Bottom line: Check your league's scoring format before deciding where to take this quirky interior force.
Projected stats: 9.3 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.5 bpg

18. Gilbert Arenas, G, Wizards +
Arenas was the centerpiece of Washington's rebirth last season, leading the Wizards to their first playoff series win since 1982. With Larry Hughes off to Cleveland, however, Arenas will face more defensive pressure. Don't worry; he is young and can withstand the rigors of heavy minutes, so he'll get his points.
Bottom line: He can penetrate and is deadly from 3-point territory. What could be better?
Projected stats: 26.5, rpg, 4.5 rpg, 4.5 apg

19. Chris Bosh, F/C, Raptors +
Bosh is just 21, but expect him to get double doubles in more than half his games this season. Plus, he might still qualify at center until the Raptors find a true big man. With such a promising start to his career, why wait any longer to pick him?
Bottom line: Bosh is a second-round pick with upside, especially in keeper leagues.
Projected stats: 18.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.3 bpg

20. Steve Francis, G, Magic
Getting away from Yao Ming last season helped clear a path to the basket for Francis, who increased his scoring average by nearly five points. Now he's the face of the Magic and is surrounded by just enough talent to remain effective in all facets of his game.
Bottom line: If you draft a front-line player early, consider Francis as your No. 1 guard in the second round.
Projected stats: 22.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.8 apg

21. Stephon Marbury, G, Knicks
Marbury is so consistently good that fantasy owners sometimes take him for granted. For example, you can mark him down for 20 points and 8 assists per game right now, and nobody will bat an eye. Will Quentin Richardson steal Marbury's thunder? Don't count on it.
Bottom line: Heavy minutes and the Knicks' losing ways haven't caught up to him yet.
Projected stats: 20.0 ppg, 8.0 apg, 1.5 spg

22. Paul Pierce, G/F, Celtics
Pierce's numbers have fallen steadily during the past three seasons. Some say he's a better player now, but fantasy is all about the numbers, and the Celtics' infusion of young talent means Pierce has more competition for scoring opportunities.
Bottom line: He's not quite the threat he once was, but he's still a top-notch fantasy guard.
Projected stats: 20.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 4.5 apg

23. Yao Ming, C, Rockets
Just once we'd like to see Yao knock somebody to the deck, but he's just so darn nice that probably won't happen. He's a top center and can provide plenty of rebounds and blocks, but with Tracy McGrady in town, Yao is unlikely to be an elite scorer and often wears down in a running game.
Bottom line: He's a tall talent, but reach too high for him and you'll be disappointed.
Projected stats: 18.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.3 bpg

24. Mike Bibby, G, Kings
When Chris Webber was traded to the 76ers, Bibby became the Kings' leader. That explains his career-high scoring average last season and explains why the team looked to him in clutch situations. The Kings will continue to count on him heavily as they rebuild a team that once was a championship contender.
Bottom line: A potentially bad situation for Sacramento fans is great for Bibby's fantasy value. He should wind up as the Kings' leading scorer.
Projected stats: 20.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 7.0 apg

25. Baron Davis, G, Warriors
A midseason trade to the Warriors seemed to reignite Davis' passion for the game -- and his production. Expect him to be the player he was a few years ago.
Bottom line: 20.0 ppg, 8.0 apg, 2.0 spg

29. Rashard Lewis, F, Sonics
Should remain a big part of the Sonics' offense because his frontcourt teammates are role players.
Projected: 21.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.2 spg

30. Larry Hughes, G, Cavaliers
Is coming off a career year and going to a new team, so look for a slight downtick.
Projected: 20.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.7 apg

31. Marcus Camby, C, Nuggets
Fantasy's version of a block party, leading the league in that category last season. He also cleans up nicely around the boards and scores enough that he isn't a burden on your roster.
Projected: 11.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.8 bpg

40. Pau Gasol, F, Grizzlies
His numbers have been pretty consistent over his four-year career, so don't expect improvement -- just more of the same solid production.
Projected: 17.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.8 bpg

41. Kirk Hinrich, G, Bulls S
In his second year, he played with the consistency of a veteran. He has an upside in keeper leagues and plenty of numbers for the here and now, too.
Projected: 16.5 ppg, 6.5 apg, 1.8 spg

42. Rasheed Wallace, F/C, Pistons
One of the few at his position who will help in 3-pointers. Known as a forward, he's more valuable as a center in fantasy leagues.
Projected: 13.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg

43. Chris Webber, F, 76ers -
Don't look for him to come close to being the dominant player he once was.
Projected: 17.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 4.3 apg

48. Stephen Jackson, G/F, Pacers S
Averaged career highs in scoring and rebounding last season. Steps into a plum role now that Reggie Miller has retired.
Projected: 19.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.2 apg

49. Quentin Richardson, G/F, Knicks
Led the league in 3-pointers last season for Phoenix, but how will his outside game work in New York? On the plus side, he'll have less competition for scoring.
Projected: 16.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 spg

50. Richard Hamilton, G, Pistons
His scoring average is on par with some No. 1 fantasy guards, but his other numbers drag him down to No. 2 status.
Projected: 19.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.5 apg

59. Andrew Bogut, C, Bucks R
The No. 1 pick in the draft has been compared to Arvydas Sabonis and Vlade Divac because of his offensive ability. Should be a starter by midseason.
Projected: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.2 apg.

67. Caron Butler, F, Wizards
Bounced back from a sophomore slump in his third year. So, we'll throw out that second season and assume last season's Butler was the one we'll see from now on.
Projected: 15.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.0 apg

68. Troy Murphy, F, Warriors
Back in a starting role and relatively healthy last season, Murphy returned to being a factor around the boards while providing nice scoring. Problem is, he doesn't get many blocks for a big man.
Projected: 15.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 0.5 bpg

69. Jalen Rose, G/F, Raptors
The clock is ticking, but Rose likely has at least one more decent season in him.
Projected: 18.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 apg

81. Josh Smith, G, Hawks
Made his mark in his first season by finishing 11th in the league in blocks. Not bad for a guy straight out of high school.
Projected: 10.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 bpg

82. Mehmet Okur, F/C, Jazz
First season in Utah was good for his numbers, which were up across the board. However, he's ranked this high only because he's a center.
Projected: 13.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg